RIBS: Make It Funky, part 1

Webster’s Dictionary defines “Funk” as… “Music that combines elements of rhythm and blues and soul music and that is characterized by a percussive vocal style, static harmonies, and a strong bass line with heavy downbeats.”

That’s all well and good, but truthfully, they could have just said to listen to anything from James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone or Parliament-Funkadelic!

Ya know, sometimes in order to get the Taste of Music to Sooth Your Soul, you just have to dive DEEP, DEEP, DEEP, DEEP… into the FUNK!

Playlist: (songartist [album])

  1. RIBS INTRO: “Another Edition” -TGrundy
  2. Make It Funky, pt. 1 – James Brown [Star Time]
  3. Too Funky (Extended Mix) – George Michael [Red Hot + Dance]
  4. Back To The Funk – Stargard [Back 2 Back]
  5. 2 Funky – Candy Dulfer [Sax-A-Go-Go]
  6. RIBS PROMO: “aka “RIBS” – TGrundy
  7. Uptown Funk (ft. Bruno Mars) – Mark Ronson [Uptown Special]
  8. Bustin’ Out (On The Funk) – Rick James [Bustin’ Out of L Seven]
  9. Don’t Stop (Funkin’ 4 Jamaica) – Mariah Carey [Glitter (soundtrack)]
  10. Funkin’ For Jamaica (N.Y.) – Tom Browne [Love Approach]
  11. We Got The Funk – Positive Force [Positive Force]
  12. Put Your Money Where The Funk Is – Mandrill [Energize]
  13. RIBS PROMO: “Locked Into Old School Soul” – Darrenkeith
  14. Thank You For Funking Up My Life – Donald Byrd [Thank You…For F.U.M.L. (Funking Up My Life)]
  15. Funky Music (Is A Part Of Me) – Luther Vandross [Luther]
  16. Shake Your Rump To The Funk – Bar Kays [Too Hot To Stop]
  17. Ain’t We Funkin Now – Brothers Johnson [Blam!]
  18. RIBS PROMO: Fave RIBS Promo
  19. Funky Sound (Tear The Roof Off) – The Sequence [Sugar Hill Presents The Sequence]
  20. Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off – Parliament [Mothership Connection]
  21. Funky Stuff – Kool & The Gang [Wild and Peaceful]
  22. More Funky Stuff – Kool & The Gang [Wild and Peaceful]
  23. Get The Funk Out Ma Face – Brothers Johnson [Look Out For #1]
  24. Givin’ Up Food For Funk (Parts 1 & 2) – J.B.’s [James Brown’s Funky People]
  25. Funky Monkey – Mandrill [We Are One]
  26. Funkin’ For The Thrill – George Duke [Follow The Rainbow]
  27. Gimme That Funk – Dennis Coffey [Live Wire: The Westbound Years 1975-1978]
  28. Get Up, Get Down, Get Funky, Get Loose – Teddy Pendergrass [Life Is A Song Worth Singing]
  29. RIBS PROMO: KB RIBS Promo
  30. Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On – Yvonne Fair [The Bitch Is Black]
  31. Funky Lady – T-Connection [T-Connection]
  32. Let’s Get Funkee – C+C Music Factory [Gonna Make You Sweat]
  33. It’s Too Funky In Here – James Brown [The Original Disco Man]

RIBS: Gamble & Huff, part 4

This is part #4 of our look at the house that Gamble and Huff built: “The Sound of Philadelphia”…

Playlist: (songartist [album])

  1. RIBS3: – “a.k.a. RIBS” (echo) – TGrundy
  2. Interlude 1 – MFSB [Philadelphia Freedom]
  3. Love Train – Bunny Sigler [That’s How Long I’ll Be Loving You]
  4. Let’s Make A Baby – Billy Paul [When Love Is New]
  5. Sunshine – O’Jays [Back Stabbers]
  6. Don’t Let It Go To Your Head – Jean Carn [Happy To Be With You]
  7. Only The Strong Survive – Jerry Butler [The Ice Man Cometh]
  8. Nowhere To Run – Laura Nyro & Labelle (group) [Gonna Take A Miracle]
  9. RIBS Promo: “MMM-HM” – EJFlavors
  10. Low Down Blues – Leon Huff [Here To Create Music]
  11. How Good Is Your Game – Billy Paul [Let ‘Em In]
  12. Livin’ For The Weekend – O’Jays [Family Reunion]
  13. Keep On Dancing – Jacksons [The Jacksons]
  14. The Soul City Walk – Archie Bell & The Drells [Dance Your Troubles Away]
  15. Where Are All My Friends – Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes [To Be True]
  16. Love Won’t Come Easy – Billy Paul [Let ‘Em In]
  17. RIBS3: – “a.k.a. RIBS” – TGrundy
  18. Do It Any Way You Wanna – The People’s Choice [Boogie Down U.S.A.]
  19. When Am I Gonna Find True Love – Patti Labelle [I’m In Love Again]
  20. Time To Get Down – O’Jays [Back Stabbers]
  21. Summertime And I’m Feelin’ Mellow – MFSB [Summertime]
  22. Girl You Know – Teddy Pendergrass [TP]
  23. I’m Gonna Make You Love Me – Supremes & Temptations [Diana Ross and The Supremes Join The Temptations]
  24. Message In Our Music – O’Jays [Message In The Music]

RIBS: Gamble & Huff, part 3

More songs from the team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. It’s a HUGE catalog of music to sift through. So, here is part #3 of our look at Philly Soul, “The Sound of Philadelphia”!

Playlist: (song — artist [album])

  1. RIBS3: “a.k.a. RIBS” (echo) – TGrundy
  2. Zack’s Fanfare (I Hear Music) – MFSB [Love Is The Message]
  3. I’m Weak For You – Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes [Black & Blue]
  4. You Got Your Hooks In Me – O’Jays [Ship Ahoy]
  5. If You Don’t Know Me By Now – Simply Red [A New Flame]
  6. If You Don’t Know Me By Now (Live) – Patti Labelle [Patti]
  7. Could It Be I’m Falling In Love – Larry Carlton [Plays The Sound Of Philadelphia (A Tribute To Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff)]
  8. The Real Me – Nancy Wilson [Now I’m A Woman]
  9. RIBS Promo: “Soulful Edition” – Darrenkeith
  10. Lady Love – Lou Rawls [When You Hear Lou, You’ve Heard It All]
  11. Can’t Forget About You, Baby -Jerry Butler [The Ice Man Cometh]
  12. I Wanna Be Your Woman – Dee Dee Sharp Gamble [What Color Is Love]
  13. Good Times – Jacksons [The Jacksons]
  14. Dance Turned Into A Romance – Jones Girls [At Peace With Woman]
  15. Back Stabbers – Larry Carlton [Plays The Sound Of Philadelphia (A Tribute To Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff)]
  16. Back Stabbers – O’Jays [Back Stabbers]
  17. The Love I Lost – Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes [Black & Blue]
  18. Sexy – MFSB [Universal Love]
  19. Free Love – Jean Carn [Jean Carn]
  20. Fave: RIBS Promo
  21. You’re The Reason Why – Ebonys [The Ebonys]
  22. Easy, Easy, Got To Take It Easy – Teddy Pendergrass [Teddy Pendergrass]
  23. Ain’t That Loving You – Lou Rawls [Sit Down And Talk To Me]
  24. Love Buddies – Dee Dee Sharp [Happy ’bout The Whole Thing]
  25. Over The Rainbow – Patti Labelle [The Spirit’s In It]

RIBS: Thom Bell-Writer, Producer, Arranger, pt 2

Continuing our look at the variety of music that singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer Thom Bell created. He’s the third “musketeer” that made Philadelphia International Records the hit making machine that dominated the 70s and early 80s. You are probably familiar with his work with the Delfonics, Stylistics and Spinners, but did you know he also produced some excellent music with Elton John, Phyllis Hyman, Johnny Mathis, The Temptations and Dionne Warwick? This is part 2 of The Sound of Philadelphia... Thom Bell style!

Playlist: (song — artist [album])

  1. RIBS3 – “a.k.a. RIBS” (echo) – TGrundy
  2. Mighty Love – Spinners [Mighty Love]
  3. Three Way Love Affair – Elton John [The Complete Thom Bell Sessions]
  4. Ebony Eyes – Stylistics [The Stylistics]
  5. Ready, Willing And Able – Temptations [The Temptations]
  6. Mr. Fresh RIBS Promo #1
  7. Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide From Love) – Delfonics [Sound Of Sexy Soul]
  8. You Are Everything – David Sanborn [Close-Up]
  9. You Never Know What You Got – James Ingram [Always You]
  10. Love Me One More Time – Dionne Warwick [Track Of The Cat]
  11. RIBS5 – Wrap Yourself In Black Satin – TGrundy
  12. Life Is A Song Worth Singing – Johnny Mathis [I’m Coming Home]
  13. Rockin’ Roll Baby – Stylistics [Rockin’ Roll Baby]
  14. Do You Remember Yesterday – Ace Spectrum [Low Rent Rendezvous]
  15. Games People Play – Spinners [Pick Of The Litter]
  16. Fave RIBS Promo
  17. Betcha By Golly Wow – Norman Conners featuring Phyllis Hyman [You Are My Starship]
  18. Baby I Love You – Delfonics [The Delfonics]
  19. Just As Long As We Have Love – Spinners [Pick Of The Litter]
  20. La La La At The End – Little Anthony & The Imperials [On A New Street]
  21. One Man Band (Plays All Alone) – Ronnie Dyson [One Man Band]
  22. I’m Stone In Love With You – Johnny Mathis [I’m Coming Home]
  23. Give In To Love – Dee Dee Bridgewater [Dee Dee Bridgewater (1980)]
  24. He’ll Never Love You Like I Do – Spinners [Mighty Love]
  25. I’m Falling In Love With You – Little Anthony & The Imperials [On A New Street]
  26. Living A Little, Laughing A Little – Spinners [New And Improved]

RIBS: Thom Bell-Writer, Producer, Arranger, pt 1

Thomas Randolph Bell is a Jamaican-born American singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer, known as one of the creators (along with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff) of “Philly Soul” at Philadelphia International Records in the 1970s. Bell is best known for his success with several groups in the 70s, particularly with the Delfonics, Stylistics and Spinners. In June 2006, Bell was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2016, Bell was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.

Playlist: (song — artist [album]

  1. RIBS INTRO: “Another Edition” – TGrundy
  2. I’m Doin’ Fine Now – New York City [I’m Doing Fine Now]
  3. Then Came You (ft. Dionne Warwick) – Spinners [New And Improved]
  4. Love Has Gone Away – Spinners [Mighty Love]
  5. Point Of No Return – Stylistics [The Stylistics]
  6. Once You Hit The Road – Dionne Warwick [Track Of The Cat]
  7. Are You Ready For Love – Elton John [The Thom Bell Sessions ’77]
  8. Fave: RIBS Promo
  9. I’ll Be Around – Spinners [Spinners]
  10. I’ll Be Around (ft. Marion Meadows) – Bob Baldwin [Presents “Betcha By Golly Wow” The Songs Of Thom Bell]
  11. Delfonics Theme (Vocal) – Delfonics [Tell Me This Is A Dream]
  12. I Don’t Want To Lose You – Phyllis Hyman [Phyllis Hyman]
  13. I Don’t Want To Lose You – Spinners [Pick Of The Litter]
  14. What Two Can Do – Deniece Williams [My Melody]
  15. RIBS3 – “a.k.a. RIBS” (echo) – TGrundy
  16. You Make Me Feel Brand New – Regina Belle [Reachin’ Back]
  17. La La Means I Love You – Swing Out Sister [The Living Return]
  18. Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time) – Patti LaBelle [Classic Moments]
  19. Break Up To Make Up – Jean Carne [Closer Than Close]
  20. Living All Alone – Phyllis Hyman [Living All Alone]
  21. Love Comes Easy – Maysa [Sweet Classic Soul]
  22. Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart) – New Birth [Birth Day]
  23. People Make The World Go Round – Suspects Of Soul [Suspicious Characters]

RIBS: Gamble & Huff, part 2

Gamble & Huff, part 2

Trying to do justice to the catalog of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff in a single podcast mix is like trying to unring a bell, it just can’t be done.

Ever since their first hit song in 1967 “Expressway To Your Heart” by the blue-eyed soul group the Soul Survivors these prolific wrters, arrangers and producers have been cranking out songs and albums that have become the soundtrack to many of our lives.

So, here is part #2 of our look back at Philly Soul, a.k.a. TSOP, a.k.a. “The Sound of Philadelphia”!

Playlist: (song — artist [album])

  1. RIBS INTRO: “Another Edition” – TGrundy
  2. Zack’s Fanfare #2 – MFSB [Philadelphia Freedom]
  3. Expressway To Your Heart – Soul Survivors [When The Whistle Blows Anything Goes]
  4. When Will I See You Again – Three Degrees [The Three Degrees]
  5. You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine – Lou Rawls [All Things In Time]
  6. Use Ta Be My Girl – O’Jays [So Full Of Love]
  7. Let’s Groove – Archie Bell & The Drells [Dance Your Troubles Away]
  8. Rockin’ Pneumonia & The Boogie Woogie Flu – Patti Labelle [The Spirit’s In It]
  9. RIBS3 – “a.k.a. RIBS” (echo) – TGrundy
  10. Cowboys To Girls – Intruders [Cowboys To Girls]
  11. Drowning In The Sea Of Love – Joe Simon [Drowning In The Sea Of Love]
  12. Nights Over Egypt – Jones Girls [Get As Much Love As You Can]
  13. Love, Need And Want You – Patti Labelle [I’m In Love Again]
  14. Medley: Ike’s Rap IV/A Brand New Me – Isaac Hayes [Black Moses]
  15. RIBS8 – “So Good” (echo) – TGrundy
  16. I Ain’t Jivin’, I’m Jammin’ – Leon Huff [Here To Create Music]
  17. Love Epidemic – Trammps [Trammps]
  18. Dirty Ol’ Man (A Tom Moulton Mix) – Three Degrees [The Three Degrees]
  19. Bad Luck – Larry Carlton [Plays The Sound Of Philadelphia (A Tribute To Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff)]
  20. Now That We Found Love – O’Jays [Ship Ahoy]
  21. Now That We Found Love – Third World [Journey To Addis]
  22. Wake Up Everybody – Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes [Wake Up Everybody]

RIBS: Gamble & Huff, part 1

The Sound of Philadelphia

Berry Gordy is to Motown and Detroit what Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff are to Philadelphia International Records (PIR) and the ‘City of Brotherly Love’. Motown may have ruled Soul music scene in the 60’s but Philly Soul gave them a run for their money in the 70s and, in many minds, blew right past them.

This is part #1 of our look back at the house that Gamble and Huff built: “The Sound of Philadelphia”…

Playlist: (songartist [album])

  1. RIBS INTRO: “Another Edition” – TGrundy
  2. Zack’s Fanfare – MFSB [Love Is The Message]
  3. I Love Music – O’Jays [Family Reunion]
  4. Satisfaction Guaranteed (Or Take Your Love Back) – Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes [Black & Blue]
  5. TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia) – MFSB featuring The Three Degrees [Detailed Song Information]
  6. Love Is The Message – MFSB [Love Is The Message]
  7. For The Love Of Money – O’Jays [Ship Ahoy]
  8. RIBS3: “a.k.a. RIBS” (echo) – TGrundy
  9. See You When I Get There – Lou Rawls [Unmistakably Lou]
  10. Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston [Any Way You Like It]
  11. Music’s Takin’ Over – Jacksons [Goin’ Places]
  12. Only You – Teddy Pendergrass [Life Is A Song Worth Singing]
  13. K-Jee – MFSB [Universal Love]
  14. Ribs8: “So Good” (echo) – TGrundy
  15. I Think I’ll Stay Home Today – Billy Paul [Let ‘Em In]
  16. I’m Not In Love – Dee Dee Sharp [Happy ’bout The Whole Thing]
  17. Love T.K.O. – Teddy Pendergrass [TP]
  18. My One And Only Love – MFSB [Love Is The Message]
  19. Never Gonna Give You Up – Isaac Hayes [Black Moses]
  20. Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love) – O’Jays [Message In The Music]
  21. Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby – Steve Khan [Tightrope]
  22. Show You The Way To Go – Jacksons [The Jacksons]